The Centre of Research Excellence in Transforming Gut Health (CRE-TGH) Main Aims
Transforming gut health involves creating a balance in the gut microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones. This can be achieved through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and potentially supplementation. A healthy gut microbiome supports overall well-being, including physical and mental health, immunity, and more. Our Centre aims to promote this transformation through research and various clinical studies.
Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms affect more than 1 in every 3 Australians in their lifetimes, with most of these patients classified as having a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). There are over 20 subtypes of DGBI, but the most common (and the focus of this CRE) are functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). DGBIs are currently defined and diagnosed according to the international “Rome criteria” based on distinct combinations of chronic and/or recurrent unexplained GI symptoms.
In addition, the CRE TGH aims to identify and validate new biomarkers that more effectively guide diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in patients suffering from DGBI. With current interventions, over 50% of patients report short-term relief but rapidly relapse.
Centre of Research Excellence in Transforming Gut Health (CRE-TGH) aims to address this huge unmet clinical need, initiating a paradigm shift in the management and treatment of DGBIs by addressing three inter-related translational challenges.